FAQ

2015 PPIHC FAQs

WARNING: The PPIHC is a dangerous race and all spectators must attend at their own risk. Spectator viewing areas do not insure safety.

Question: Where can I watch the race?

Answer: Spectators will only be allowed to view the race from designated spectator viewing areas along the course: Devil’s Playground, Cove Creek, Glen Cove, Ski Area, Halfway Picnic Grounds, 9 Mile, and the Start line area. Spectators found outside of these areas are subject to trespassing tickets.

Question: Who needs a ticket?

Answer: Anyone who is 10 years of age and over needs to purchase a race ticket. Tickets can be purchased online and the Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain Gateway (race week). If camping, each individual must purchase a race day ticket. A camping permit is required for each vehicle. Spectators are not guaranteed a parking spot if specific locations are full.

Question: When are the practice and qualifying days and times?

Answer: Practice dates are June 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th 2015. To attend practice you must purchase a ticket for each specific practice day. All spectators must sign a liability waiver before attending practice sessions. Gates open at 4:00 am. Gates close at 4:45 am. No Exceptions. The Start Line closes to uphill traffic at 4:45 am. (For those who wish to view practice from above the Start Line area, it is recommended to arrive at 4:00 am. The Start Line is about 6 miles up Pikes Peak Highway from the Gateway).

All spectators must watch the race from designated areas along the course (Start Line, Glen Cove, Devil’s Playground). No spectators will be allowed to move up and down the course once practice has started. Spectators found outside of these areas are subject to trespassing tickets.

Question: When does the race start and how much is a ticket?

Answer: The race starts at 8:00 am, however you will need to plan to arrive much earlier than that. The road opens at 3:00 am and no vehicles will be allowed past the Start Line after 7:00 am on Race Day. **Parking is limited on Pikes Peak and is served on a first come, first serve basis. There is no guaranteed parking and lots fill quickly.

Once you are on the mountain, unless you park below the Start Line, you will not be able to leave the mountain until the race is completed. Depending on how the race progresses (no crashes, etc.) this can be anytime from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm or later. An official will release your parking area. Use a low gear on your descent. Hot brakes fail!

General Admission ticket prices vary based on the total number of attendees in a vehicle. There must be a functioning seatbelt for every attendee accompanied with the vehicle. Tickets purchased before Race Day (June 28, 2015) and online are discounted $10 apiece from their Race Day prices. Please see the cost breakdown below.

Vehicle Packs

Online/Pre-Race Ticket Price

Race Day Gateway Ticket Purchases

Single Ticket

$60 ($60/ticket)

$70 ($70/ticket)

Family 2 Pack

$100 ($50/ticket)

$120 ($60/ticket)

Family 3 Pack

$135 ($45/ticket)

$165 ($55/ticket)

Family 4 Pack

$160 ($40/ticket)

$200 ($50/ticket)

Family 5 Pack

$175 ($35/ticket)

$225 ($45/ticket)

Family 6 Pack

$180 ($30/ticket)

$240 ($40/ticket)

Single Motorcycle Ticket

$30 ($30/ticket)

$40 ($40/ticket)

Double Motorcycle Ticket

$50 ($25/ticket)

$70 ($35/ticket)

Question: How can I hear what is happening on the course?

Answer: Bring an AM radio and tune your radio to KRDO 1240AM for the live radio broadcast.

Question: Can I bring my motor home?

Answer: Motor homes will be allowed through the Gateway on race day. The maximum length for motor homes and trailers is 24 ft. (19’ wheel base maximum). No trailers are allowed on race day- Trailers allowed for overnight camping with permit only on Saturday the 27th of June.

Question: What should we wear?

Answer: Expect the unexpected on Pikes Peak. A typical June day can start out very sunny and warm only to turn intensely cold with snow or rain. The best advice is to dress in layers. Remember the higher up you go on the mountain the cooler the air will be and the more wind you will encounter. If there is lightning or hail, take shelter in your vehicle.

Question: Can we camp on the mountain?

Answer: Camping is allowed on the mountain, one night only, Saturday, June 27, 2015. However, there are only 200 camp sites available at the cost of $150.00 per car load, on a first-come first-serve basis. There are also numerous camping opportunities at local National Forest campgrounds, Mueller State Park and in private campgrounds.

Camping permits are available online. Each individual camper must purchase a race ticket.

Question: Can we cook on the mountain?

Answer: The short answer is yes, provided you use the right equipment. Gas or propane stoves with shutoff valves are permitted. Self-contained charcoal grills are strictly prohibited; as are fireworks, open fires and firearms. This race is held on National Forest property. We do not make the rules but are obligated to follow them. Any violation will result in disciplinary action ranging from being forced to vacate the mountain to arrest and prosecution. Also, remember to dispose of trash properly – pack it in, pack it out.

Question: Where is the best viewing area?

Answer: It depends on what your tolerance level is. If you don’t mind extreme wind and cold, Devil’s Playground provides great views above tree line. Cove Creek is the highest spot below tree line; Glen Cove is also a popular spot below tree line. The Ski Area has ample parking but a limited viewing area. Halfway Picnic Grounds give plenty of room for the drivers to exceed 100 mph. Wherever you decide to view the race, remember to avoid fragile vegetation and restoration areas. Also, digging trenches, constructing lean-tos and rock climbing is illegal and violators will be prosecuted.

Question: What is altitude sickness?

Answer: Remember the race starts at 9,300 feet above sea level and finishes at 14,115 feet. Signs of altitude sickness include dizziness, nausea and fainting. Drink plenty of water. Use caution when consuming alcohol. If a first aid station determines that alcohol caused your illness and that you need to be transported down the mountain, it will be at your expense.

Question: When is Pikes Peak- America’s Mountain open to the public?

Answer: During race week (excluding race day), the mountain opens at 9:00am for the general public. Each person will need to pay a tollgate fee. Tourist information regarding Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain can be found here.

Question: Where is ticket will call and what are the hours?

Answer: Tickets can be picked up at the Gateway to the Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain on Saturday June 27th from Noon – 6:00pm and on Sunday June 28th from 3:00 am – 10:00 am. You will not need to physically pick up any purchased tickets prior to race day but you will be “checked in” to access the race. Please bring your ID on race day and the Gateway workers will have you in our system.

Question: Will the race be on TV?

Answer: The race will not be on any live TV; however, you can tap into our post race interviews, full runs on competitors who finish, and three still cameras which are positioned at various spots along the course. This can be found on PPIHC.com.

Question: Can I film the race with a drone?

Answer: Drone usage at the PPIHC Event and/or ancillary events is prohibited unless previously approved by PPIHC’s Executive Director and PPIHC’s Race Director. Anyone using a Drone without written consent will be subject to penalty.